In a heartwarming moment at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim delighted attendees by singing legendary Bollywood classics by Kishore Kumar and Mukesh.

  • Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim sang legendary Indian songs during a BRICS summit dinner in New Delhi.
  • He performed 'Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat' (Kishore Kumar) and 'Dost Dost Na Raha' (Mukesh).
  • The PM shared the video on X, expressing his admiration for Indian music.
  • Malaysia hosts a significant Indian diaspora of approximately 27.5 lakh people.

A moment of pure cultural magic unfolded during the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, known for his charismatic leadership, surprised attendees at a formal dinner by singing timeless melodies from the golden era of Indian cinema. The Prime Minister's rendition of Kishore Kumar's legendary track 'Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat...' left a lasting impression on the diplomatic gathering.

Sharing the moment on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, PM Ibrahim posted a video of himself humming the melody. He added a playful touch to the post, writing, "Guru, is a little singing allowed?" The video, lasting nearly a minute and a half, showcases the PM deeply immersed in the soulful rhythm of the music.

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A Tribute to Bollywood Legends

The songs chosen by the Prime Minister were not random; they are deeply rooted in Indian cinematic history. 'Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat' is from the 1965 film 'Teen Deviyan', composed by S.D. Burman with lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri. Additionally, he hummed 'Dost Dost Na Raha' from the classic film 'Sangam', originally sung by the legendary Mukesh and composed by Shankar-Jaikishan.

Anwar Ibrahim's musical interlude serves as a powerful example of 'soft power' diplomacy, bridging nations through shared cultural appreciation.

BozokMedia analysis shows that PM Anwar Ibrahim has long been a vocal admirer of Indian culture. This is not his first encounter with Bollywood; he has previously hummed similar tunes during interviews in 2024 and even used the song 'Bole Chudiyan' in an official video montage during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Malaysia.

The Deep-Rooted Indo-Malaysian Connection

The Prime Minister's affinity for Indian music resonates with the massive Indian diaspora in Malaysia. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, there are approximately 27.5 lakh people of Indian origin in Malaysia, accounting for nearly 9% of the population. This community has a profound influence on the country's cultural landscape, with Bollywood and Tamil cinema enjoying immense popularity and massive box-office success.

Historical Context: The Journey of Anwar Ibrahim

Anwar Ibrahim, the 10th Prime Minister of Malaysia, has had a storied political career. After serving as Deputy PM in 1993, he faced significant political upheaval in the late 90s, including imprisonment. His resilience saw him rise from being an opposition leader to reclaiming the premiership in 2022, marking a significant chapter in Malaysian politics.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which Bollywood songs did Anwar Ibrahim sing?
He sang 'Khwab Ho Tum Ya Koi Haqeeqat' by Kishore Kumar and 'Dost Dost Na Raha' by Mukesh.

2. How large is the Indian community in Malaysia?
There are approximately 27.5 lakh people of Indian origin living in Malaysia.

Did You Know?: Bollywood stars like Shah Rukh Khan have massive followings in Malaysia, with films like 'Dilwale' earning significant revenue in the country.